The USGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it.

U.S. JUNIOR AMATEUR

The 2017 U.S. Junior Amateur will be the third USGA championship staged at Flint Hills National. (Flint Hills National)

Flint Hills National Golf Club, in Andover, Kan., has been selected by the United States Golf Association as the host site for the 2017 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. The dates for the championship, which will be the third USGA championship hosted by Flint Hills National, are July 17-22.

“The USGA is pleased to return to Flint Hills National Golf Club and the Central Plains region,” said Daniel B. Burton, USGA vice president and Championship Committee chairman. “Flint Hills National has provided a demanding and competitive test for the best female and senior amateurs and will certainly identify the top junior amateur player in 2017.”

Flint Hills National, which opened in 1997, is located 15 miles east of Wichita on a 240-acre property. The Tom Fazio-designed course features zoysiagrass tees and fairways and bentgrass putting surfaces. More than 5,500 trees, some 50 feet tall, surround the layout and water hazards come into play on eight holes.

“Flint Hills National Golf Club is honored to be selected as the host site for the 2017 U.S. Junior Amateur,” said Jeff M. Johnson, club president. “We look forward to partnering with the USGA and delivering a world-class venue that showcases amateur golf and the surrounding Andover and Wichita communities.”

Flint Hills National hosted the 2001 U.S. Women’s Amateur, won by Meredith Duncan with a short birdie putt on the 37th hole to outlast Nicole Perrot of Chile. Many veteran observers have called the match one of the greatest finals in USGA championship history. Each player had 10 birdies, with match-play concessions, in a back-and-forth competition.

In 2007, Flint Hills National hosted the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship. Stan Lee, who was five days past his 55th birthday, became the youngest winner in the championship’s history by posting a 4-and-3 victory over Sam Farlow in the final.

The 2017 U.S. Junior Amateur will be the 22nd USGA championship contested in Kansas. The Sunflower State hosted its first U.S. Junior Amateur in 1960 at Milburn Golf & Country Club in Overland Park, with Bill Tindall defeating Robert Hammer, 2 and 1, in the championship match.

The first U.S. Junior Amateur was contested in 1948. The championship is open to male amateurs who have not reached their 18th birthday by the conclusion of the championship and who have a Handicap Index® not exceeding 6.4. Tiger Woods (three times), Jordan Spieth (twice), Hunter Mahan and Johnny Miller are among U.S. Junior Amateur champions.

The 2015 U.S. Junior Amateur will be contested July 20-25 at Colleton River Plantation Club (Dye Course) in Bluffton, S.C. The 2016 championship is scheduled for July 18-23 at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tenn. The 2018 championship will be contested July 16-21 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J.